Friends of Bezazian, or FoB, was started in 2016 by a small group of neighbors who believed that the Bezazian branch was an important community resource that deserved–and needed–community support. In 2017, we incorporated in the state of Illinois and were granted nonprofit status. Today, more than 100 Friends lend their time and talents to benefit our library and, by extension, our community.

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That support takes many forms. Over the years, we have:

• Spoken up on behalf of the branch to correct issues such as chronic flooding from a clogged storm sewer or air conditioning problems that frequently forced the library to close

• Surveyed users and library staff to identify unmet needs and then worked with city and library officials to address them

• Connected with neighborhood businesses and civic organizations that are essential  to a flourishing neighborhood

• Joined a local coalition of Friends groups

• Written grants and raised funds to supplement the branch’s own budget